Precolonial Mapping explores how indigenous cultures understood and navigated their environments without formal cartography. Challenging Western-centric views, it reveals sophisticated alternative knowledge systems used for centuries. The book focuses on mental maps, cognitive representations of space crucial for daily life, and oral traditions, dynamic archives of geographical information transmitted through stories and rituals. These systems, tailored to specific cultural values, demonstrate effective ways of interacting with the environment. The book examines diverse indigenous societies, highlighting the cultural significance of landscapes and their connection to identity.
Beginning with an introduction to precolonial mapping, it progresses through the creation of mental maps and the role of oral traditions. It investigates applications in resource management, navigation, and conservation.
Readers will gain insights into sustainable living and alternative ways of knowing, making it valuable for those interested in history, geography, and indigenous cultures.
